Alabama football gets a surprise boost from Florida State—something Nick Saban would have appreciated….See more….
Here’s the latest on the “surprise boost” from Florida State that Alabama fans (and even Nick Saban himself) might find beneficial:
📰 What’s the boost?
Florida State’s new QB, Thomas Castellanos, has already unleashed some serious bulletin-board material, asserting confidently:
> “They don’t have Nick Saban to save them”
While that certainly amps up the countdown to the season opener, the real boost for Alabama is FSU’s own recruiting surge and roster developments, giving them a tougher—and more respected—opponent in Week 1.
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🔍 Why Saban would’ve liked it
Nick Saban has long stressed the benefits of strong non-conference games—especially scheduling powerhouse programs. His philosophy? Tough matchups only elevate your team and boost your strength-of-schedule, which matters come playoff time .
Florida State’s resurgence means a rejuvenated rival, and facing a tougher FSU team aligns exactly with Saban’s principle of building “inventory of great games.”
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📈 What FSU is doing behind the scenes
FSU hasn’t just mocked Alabama—they’ve built themselves into a serious team:
Recruiting elite talent:
4-star TE Xavier Tiller flipped to FSU over Bama and Auburn
4-star DL James “Tank” Carrington also joined FSU over other Power 5 programs
And more, including Tico Crittendon, deepening their defensive line
Improved infrastructure and momentum: FSU’s investment in facilities and coaching (Mike Norvell, Gus Malzahn) is fueling both performance and recruiting traction .
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🚀 The payoff for Alabama
By facing a surging FSU, Alabama gets:
1. A high-profile, meaningful test right out of the gate.
2. A chance to prove or disprove whether Castellanos’s trash talk has merit.
3. An opportunity to reinforce Saban’s philosophy. Even Nick’s successors—Kalen DeBoer and the Tide—gain national relevancy by beating a strong, revamped opponent.
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✅ Final takeaway
Florida State has evolved from punchline to formidable foe. That’s exactly the kind of matchup Nick Saban advocated for—one that strengthens teams, excites fans, and elevates the season narrative. So yes: this is indeed a surprise boost—one both Alabama and Saban would appreciate.
Want more on FSU’s roster moves? Or should we dive into Alabama’s ideal game plan to counter Castellanos?
